Trailer Brake Controller

[GOakes]

Got a new '04' and need an electric trailer brake controller.

From what I’ve heard the Jordan 2020 is regarded as a good product but requires a mechanical link to the truck’s brake peddle. There is at least one controller on the market that measures the truck's hydraulic brake pressure and uses that signal to adjust the output to the trailer brakes. The concept sounds like a winner --- but I’ve been burned by after market improvements that wind-up compromising the original equipment. A failure in the brake line modification could involve a lot more than the inconvenience of a roadside break-down. So I’m asking for input from those that may have first hand knowledge of quality and reliability of the BrakeSmart (brand name) controller and hydraulic brake line modification.

Thanks

Old George

 

[klenger]

The controller you are referring to is the BrakeSmart. See the link below for my comments. I also had the Jordan in my previous truck, and it worked very well too. The BrakeSmart installation is very slick and simple to do. The sensor does not displace any brake fluid and should not be a concern as far as any damage to the truck's brake system.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/brakesmart/slide01.html

 

[PJereb]

You could just go for a Tekonsha Prodigy



Just mount it and plug it into your factory harness. And it is made in the USA, kind of a surprise with a company name name like Tekonsha. There is no linkage of any kind, it just works by inertia.

 

[Eric_77]

Two brake smart controllers here. Both have been flawless.



Soon to be available is a EGT readout on the Brakesmart.

 

[mikel]

I had a jordan controller in my last three trucks and had good luck out of them.



On this truck I bought a BrakeSmart to try out. I'll be keeping the BrakeSmart, it so far had been a clearly superior controller.



The brake modification you're talking about is a simple "T" installed at the master cylinder. Sure, there is the potential for a leak there, but really not all that likely considering all the lines and fittings already installed to make the brakes work.



You've got alot of $$ invested in your rig, pony up the cash for the BrakeSmart. You won't be disappointed.



Mike

 

[RTuvell]

Originally posted by Eric_77

Two brake smart controllers here. Both have been flawless.



Soon to be available is a EGT readout on the Brakesmart.

Eric_77,



Have you heard a specific date for release of the EGT module?

 

[RustyJC]

Having used ramped time-based as well as inertial controllers, I'd highly recommend either the Jordan or the BrakeSmart true proportional controllers. We have the Jordan Ultima 2020 now and are very happy with it, but if we convert the brakes on our new Mobile Suites 36RE3 5ver to electric-over-hydraulic discs, I'll probably go ahead and spring for the BrakeSmart.



Rusty

 

[EB]

Have tried most, but the BrakeSmart is hands down the best I've used. I tow for a living and have well over 100k on my BrakeSmart with no problems at all. It is more expensive than the others, but it is well worth it. IMO

 

[PJereb]

George,

What do you pull behind your truck?

 

[GOakes]

PJereb



30' Sunny Brook --- tongue pull --- about 8000 lbs --- "Equalizer" (brand name) hitch. We have owned five trailers (weighing from 7000 to 9500 lbs) two of which were fifth wheels. They were towed with a ‘94’ Ford and a ‘97’ Dodge Cummins. The Dodge used an old fashion controller with a single input from the brake light circuit. I was comfortable with it and have towed many thousands of miles including several trips to northern New Mexico and western Colorado Rockies. The down side was the never-ending task of changing (brake controller) settings to match highway speed and topography. I’m looking for something that gives me some help with that chore. My big concern in selecting a new controller is to not create a safety hazard when it is installed. I’ve been bitten by the installation of a poorly engineered aftermarket gizmo that created far more heart burn than if things had been left alone. Fortunately that modification caused a reliability problem but did not compromise vehicle safety.



Sorry about being so wordy --- you asked me for the time and got a “how to build a clock” answer ---



Thanks

Old George

 

[GOakes]

Thank you all for helping me make an informed decission



Old George